Meguiars SoftBuff 2.0 pads with Flex XC3401 VRG

[Silverado12]

I just ordered some of the new SoftBuff 2.0 pads with the intention of using them on my Flex XC3401 VRG polisher. With the new velcro backing system on the 2.0 pads, I believed they would fit fine on the Flex. The original SoftBuff pads wouldn't work on the Flex because the Velcro backing was too small for the size of the Flex's backing plate. It would tear through the foam and ruin your pad.

Now that I have the 2.0 pads, I fitted them on my Flex and was shocked to see the new backing is slightly too small. It fits much better than the original SoftBuff, but I'm afraid to use them with fear of ruining my new pads. Here are two pictures below, the first one with the pad on the Flex and the second one with the pad on the G100. Has anybody tried these on the Flex, and if so, how do they work? Even if you haven't tried them, based on the pictures, do you think it'll work without tearing the pad?

SoftBuff 2.0 Cutting Pad on Flex XC3401 VRG



SoftBuff 2.0 Cutting Pad on G100 (pad is slightly off center...)

[miahjohn]

Re: Meguiars SoftBuff 2.0 pads with Flex XC3401 VRG

I would say it should work fine. not every pad fits perfectly onto every backing plate.

[Silverado12]

Re: Meguiars SoftBuff 2.0 pads with Flex XC3401 VRG

I would say it should work fine. not every pad fits perfectly onto every backing plate.

That's what I thought with the original SoftBuff pads, but the Flex simply ripped through the foam on those.

I'm hoping that with the reinforced backing system on the 2.0 pads, a slightly larger backing plate like the one on the Flex will work. Just wanted to see what others thought before I risk a $14 pad. Thanks for the input!

[Tom Weed]

Re: Meguiars SoftBuff 2.0 pads with Flex XC3401 VRG

Well, last weekend I waxed a 36' 5th wheel RV at a buddy's house. I had an arsenal of pads my Flex 3401, Porter Cable 7428 rotary and my dynabrade. I started out using the Flex with the Softbuff 2.0 polishing pads with #6 on this monster. I take the pad off and clean it with the rotary in the pad washer when it became saturated with product. I didn't see any tearing, but when my friend started helping me, I gave the Flex to him and I picked up the rotary and went at it. A little later when he laid the Flex down I picked up the pad and noticed it was torn on the outside of the velcro backing area. I am pretty sure he was saturating the pad and using a lot of force and not cleaning the pad or changing it.

The Solo foam pads fit nicely, but tend to saturate and become flimsey much quicker than the Softbuff 2.0 pads. The LC pads with the black velcro backing work well on the Flex as well as the Solo wool pads and the LC purple foamed wool.

I'm going to be much more cautious with my new Softbuff 2.0 pads with this machine from now on. I think you will have to keep and eye on them, clean them often and change pads.

[Tom Weed]

Re: Meguiars SoftBuff 2.0 pads with Flex XC3401 VRG

FYI...

I've torn through several of the origional softbuff pads with this machine and wont use them anymore with it...

[Silverado12]

Re: Meguiars SoftBuff 2.0 pads with Flex XC3401 VRG

Well, last weekend I waxed a 36' 5th wheel RV at a buddy's house. I had an arsenal of pads my Flex 3401, Porter Cable 7428 rotary and my dynabrade. I started out using the Flex with the Softbuff 2.0 polishing pads with #6 on this monster. I take the pad off and clean it with the rotary in the pad washer when it became saturated with product. I didn't see any tearing, but when my friend started helping me, I gave the Flex to him and I picked up the rotary and went at it. A little later when he laid the Flex down I picked up the pad and noticed it was torn on the outside of the velcro backing area. I am pretty sure he was saturating the pad and using a lot of force and not cleaning the pad or changing it.

The Solo foam pads fit nicely, but tend to saturate and become flimsey much quicker than the Softbuff 2.0 pads. The LC pads with the black velcro backing work well on the Flex as well as the Solo wool pads and the LC purple foamed wool.

I'm going to be much more cautious with my new Softbuff 2.0 pads with this machine from now on. I think you will have to keep and eye on them, clean them often and change pads.

I was really considering the Solo pads, and while I've never used them, I prefer the smooth surface on the SoftBuff pads. I've tried the CrossCut pads from ADS and didn't really care for the way they felt on the car, but I loved the huge black velcro backing system. I really want these 2.0 pads to work, but I don't want them to be ruined in a few months time. I use the Grit Guard Pad Cleaning System for cleaning, which seems to put a lot of stress on the velcro backing of all my pads.

I've got a six pack of these that are still brand new and can be returned. Do you think I should exchange them or just use them? If I'm cautious with how much pressure I use while polishing, do you think tearing will be a problem?

[Megafast13]

Re: Meguiars SoftBuff 2.0 pads with Flex XC3401 VRG

My Soft Buff 1.0 Pads are not centered either. IT's no big deal

[Tom Weed]

Re: Meguiars SoftBuff 2.0 pads with Flex XC3401 VRG

I was really considering the Solo pads, and while I've never used them, I prefer the smooth surface on the SoftBuff pads. I've tried the CrossCut pads from ADS and didn't really care for the way they felt on the car, but I loved the huge black velcro backing system. I really want these 2.0 pads to work, but I don't want them to be ruined in a few months time. I use the Grit Guard Pad Cleaning System for cleaning, which seems to put a lot of stress on the velcro backing of all my pads.

I've got a six pack of these that are still brand new and can be returned. Do you think I should exchange them or just use them? If I'm cautious with how much pressure I use while polishing, do you think tearing will be a problem?

I've used the Flex Foam pads from ADS, is this what you mean by the cross cut? They didn't hold up well at all, a few cleanings with the Pad Washer and I would start losing the foam squares out of them.

The lake county CCS pads hold up much better and have a flatter surface, but want to pull more with the flat surface edge of the pad.

I dont know what to tell you about sending your pads back, you may be okay if you keep the pad from being saturated and change them often, you might be alright. Just keep a close eye on them while you are working... You might trying exchanging three of them for the Solo pads and trying them?

[Tom Weed]

Re: Meguiars SoftBuff 2.0 pads with Flex XC3401 VRG

My Soft Buff 1.0 Pads are not centered either. IT's no big deal

Hey Megafast13,
The issue with this machine and the older softbuff pads is not the centering of the pad, but the backing plate from the machine extending past the velco on the pad, and coming into contact with the foam, once the pad becomes saturated, it will tear into the pad, rendering it for the trash.

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Meguiars SoftBuff 2.0 pads with Flex XC3401 VRG

I use the 2.0 pads with my FLEX and haven't had any issues.

[Silverado12]

Re: Meguiars SoftBuff 2.0 pads with Flex XC3401 VRG

I've used the Flex Foam pads from ADS, is this what you mean by the cross cut? They didn't hold up well at all, a few cleanings with the Pad Washer and I would start losing the foam squares out of them.

The lake county CCS pads hold up much better and have a flatter surface, but want to pull more with the flat surface edge of the pad.

I dont know what to tell you about sending your pads back, you may be okay if you keep the pad from being saturated and change them often, you might be alright. Just keep a close eye on them while you are working... You might trying exchanging three of them for the Solo pads and trying them?

Yeah, the flex foam is what I've got. I haven't used them too much because I seem to get marring with any product I've tried with them. Plus, like you said, I don't think they like the pad washer too much.

What do you mean by the CCS pads wanting "to pull more with the flat surface edge of the pad?" I haven't tried the CCS pads because I've heard that when using products that use diminishing abrasives, the CCS pockets can trap the abrasives, which could lead to marring. I think this was my problem with the Flex Foam pads.

How do the Solo pads hold up in the pad washer? Are they just as smooth to use as the SoftBuff?

Thanks for all the advice!

[Silverado12]

Re: Meguiars SoftBuff 2.0 pads with Flex XC3401 VRG

I use the 2.0 pads with my FLEX and haven't had any issues.

Have you been using them long enough to test out their durability? I mean, do you have enough hours on them to where if they were to cause a problem in the future with the backing plate cutting into the pad, it would've already happened by now? (if that makes sense, lol)

[RaskyR1]

Re: Meguiars SoftBuff 2.0 pads with Flex XC3401 VRG

I had the same issues with my W8006 and W9006 pads on the Flex, but with the new 2.0 pads I have not had any issues at all.

I've used them for months now and have applied some serious pressure at times. The clear coating inside the pad should keep the problem of the older pads from happening.

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Meguiars SoftBuff 2.0 pads with Flex XC3401 VRG

Have you been using them long enough to test out their durability? I mean, do you have enough hours on them to where if they were to cause a problem in the future with the backing plate cutting into the pad, it would've already happened by now? (if that makes sense, lol)

Like Rasky, I would say a few months of details on and off- no issues. The laminate backing on the 2.0 pads is very substantial, and I think that is what protects the pad.

[Silverado12]

Re: Meguiars SoftBuff 2.0 pads with Flex XC3401 VRG

I had the same issues with my W8006 and W9006 pads on the Flex, but with the new 2.0 pads I have not had any issues at all.

I've used them for months now and have applied some serious pressure at times. The clear coating inside the pad should keep the problem of the older pads from happening.

That is what I was hoping for!! I thought the clear coating inside would help protect it, but I wasn't sure if it was tough enough to prevent wear. I think it's very important to make sure I get the pad perfectly centered before I use it.

Thanks man!!